Coffee with a Founder Podcast: Alex Wright-Gladstein, Sphere

31- Mar-2026

On this episode of Coffee with a Founder, Beck Bamberger sits down with Alex Wright-Gladstein, CEO and founder of Sphere. After struggling for years to get a climate-friendly option added to her first company’s 401(k), Alex set out to build a better solution for employees who want their retirement savings aligned with their values.

The conversation explores the strange world of 401(k) investing, why climate-friendly retirement options have been so hard to access, and how Sphere is making it easier for everyday people to move their money with purpose.

If you’re into founders turning a frustrating financial system into a clear climate action step, don’t miss this one.

show notes:

1:34: Why Alex started Sphere

3:07: Why climate-friendly 401(k) options have been so hard to offer

4:35: When Alex realized this was a real business opportunity

6:06: The breakthrough year and getting listed on major 401(k) platforms

8:05: Alex on stubbornness and staying with hard problems

9:04: What became clear about politics and 401(k) advisors

13:18: Why moving your money is one of the biggest climate actions you can take

14:53: The relationship-building unlock and what’s ahead in 2026

Read More About The Episode:

1:34: Why Alex started Sphere

Alex explains how trying to add a climate-friendly option to her first company’s 401(k) exposed just how broken the system was.

3:07: Why climate-friendly 401(k) options have been so hard to offer

The conversation dives into how lawsuit risk and actively managed funds made employers wary of offering climate-focused retirement options.

4:35: When Alex realized this was a real business opportunity

Alex talks about realizing the climate impact of retirement savings was so large that fixing this problem could matter more than spinning another climate tech company out of a lab.

6:06: The breakthrough year and getting listed on major 401(k) platforms

Alex explains how Sphere finally broke onto major platforms like Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard after years of persistence.

8:05: Alex on stubbornness and staying with hard problems

Alex shares that relentless stubbornness has been part of her personality since childhood and has served her well as a founder.

9:04: What became clear about politics and 401(k) advisors

The conversation highlights how advisors have learned to tune out political swings and focus instead on the same financial metrics they always have.

13:18: Why moving your money is one of the biggest climate actions you can take

Alex explains why shifting retirement savings out of fossil fuels can have a bigger climate impact than many of the lifestyle choices people usually focus on.

14:53: The relationship-building unlock and what’s ahead in 2026

Alex talks about how relationship building has accelerated this year and why 2026 is about scaling sales, products, and impact.